Chronicling four generations of the Wilmot family, Updike concentrates on one member in each generation: Clarence Wilmot, a Protestant minister; his youngest son Teddy, who earns his living as a postal carrier; Teddy's daughter Esther, who becomes a Hollywood star; and Esther's son Clark.

Updike devotes less attention to Clarence than to any other of his major characters. A minister in Paterson, New Jersey, at the turn of the twentieth century, Clarence is a model clergyman until doubts about the existence of God finally drive him to leave the pulpit. The loss of faith shatters his will to live, and although he drifts from job to job in a desultory attempt to support his family, it is appar ent that he has no enthusiasm for life.

Clarence's behavior appears extreme, and may strain readers' credulity; nevertheless, Updike uses him as a means of displaying to readers the devastation...